In a world of flying cars and planetary portals, Detective Gerald Bryce holds a rare power: the ability to read emotions. When he discovers a suspected murderess who shares his gift, she offers the fulfillment of his deepest desires. Soon he discovers she can manipulate emotions too, controlling others even to the point of committing murder. A battle breaks out between police and all the forces she can bring to bear. But other powers are at play as well, and they are far greater than anyone imagined …

A serial killer is loose in Central Texas. The Hangman steals victims' DNA, disappearing without a trace. When Gerald Bryce, the Empathic Detective, investigates he uncovers a dark conspiracy. Someone is using old alchemy recipes, intent on creating artificial life and harnessing its clairvoyant powers. Can Bryce stop the Hangman before people he loves get hurt? And can he stop the conspiracy before everyone in the city falls under a dangerous psychic spell? A defense contractor's invention, the ghostsuit, may hold the key both as a clue to the murders and by giving him an electronic set of spectral powers to battle the Hangman.

An ancient organization has created a psychic with untold power. Raising the boy in secret, they hope to make him a world leader. But he escapes and heads for Texas to find his father, Gerald Bryce, the Empathic Detective. When someone tries to warn Bryce, a criminal mastermind uses the latest technology from neural immersive video games to kill the informant. Now Bryce and his partner must race the clock as a level three psychic terrorist battles the military for control of the city, and perhaps the world.